Pearson

Alkanes

Hydrocarbons that contain only single covalent bonds.

Homologous series

A group of compounds with similar structures and properties where each member differs by a -CH2- unit.

General formula of alkanes

$C_nH_{2n+2}$.

Crude oil formation

Formed from ancient plants, animals, and microorganisms that were buried and altered by heat and pressure.

Fractional distillation

The process used to separate crude oil into fractions with similar boiling points.

Naphtha

A fraction of crude oil (C5-C9) used as a petrochemical feedstock.

Isomers

Compounds that have the same molecular formula but different arrangements of atoms.

Saturated molecules

Molecules that contain only single bonds, such as alkanes.

Condensed structural formula

A representation that shows the atom groups in order.

IUPAC naming steps

Steps to name alkanes including finding the longest chain and numbering from the nearest branch.

Methyl group

A side chain represented as -CH3.

Ethyl group

A side chain represented as -CH2CH3.

meth-

Indicates 1 carbon atom.

eth-

Indicates 2 carbon atoms.

prop-

Indicates 3 carbon atoms.

but-

Indicates 4 carbon atoms.

pent-

Indicates 5 carbon atoms.

hex-

Indicates 6 carbon atoms.

hept-

Indicates 7 carbon atoms.

oct-

Indicates 8 carbon atoms.

non-

Indicates 9 carbon atoms.

dec-

Indicates 10 carbon atoms